Plan in a Can kits help Elmhurst seniors prepare for medical emergencies

When a medical emergency happens, every second matters. Having important health information readily available can help first responders make faster, better-informed decisions and provide families with added peace of mind.

Now, Elmhurst-area seniors and their families have another convenient way to access Plan in a Can, a free emergency preparedness program that helps older adults organize important medical information before an emergency occurs.

In addition to being available through the Elmhurst Fire Department, Plan in a Can kits are now offered at The Roosevelt at Salt Creek, which has become the first senior living community in Elmhurst to serve as a public distribution site for the program. Kits are available free of charge every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Plan in a Can was developed through a partnership among the City of Elmhurst, the Elmhurst Fire Department and Endeavor Health to help residents keep critical medical information readily accessible for first responders.

Each kit includes forms to record medications, medical history, allergies, physician information and emergency contacts, all stored inside a clearly marked container that is kept in the home where paramedics and firefighters can quickly locate it when seconds matter.

By making the kits available at The Roosevelt at Salt Creek, the program is expanding access to an important community safety resource for older adults who wish to remain safe and independent in their own homes.

For first responders, having immediate access to accurate medical information can support faster, more informed care. For older adults and their loved ones, Plan in a Can offers added confidence that they are prepared before an emergency occurs.